Showcase: Writing Scroll Texts and Other Things – The Scroll Text for Ulrich

Earlier this week, I reviewed the boast for Ulrich’s elevation to Chivalry. Today, we’ll talk about his scroll text.

I structured it to parallel the Oath of Knighthood, which calls upon Knights to be Prow, to be Reverent and Generous, Shield of the Weak, Obedient to his Liege Lord, Foremost in battle, Courteous at all times, and Champion of the Right and the good. These are fundamental concepts of Knighthood all across the SCA — but since Ulrich is a Viking half-dane, it needed to fit within a viking epic style. Because Ulrich was one of Ragvnaldr’s King’s Champion during the last reign, I also worked to tie some of the imagery in with the Lineage of Ragnvaldr I wrote several years ago.

Here’s a secret about writing scroll texts for people: often, you have very little material to work with. I was lucky with Ulrich; I know him personally, I saw his work when he was Champion because I also worked that reign, and I have a Maggie, who not only helped me with review, but who wrote an extensive letter of recommendation for Ulrich that I called upon heavily writing this text.

When Ulrich gets his scroll made, he will be able to look at the text as a reminder of the work he is called to do, as well as the accomplishments he achieved before.

Deeds day ends! / Ended are doings
Bold Battle Children / Baying for gold
See Sir Ulrich / Celestial warrior
Achieve the Accolade / of Aspirations
Prowess profuse / this potent leader
The list field his vigil / his virtue inviolate
Generous giving / of time and gold
Reverent also / respected and relished

The weak are his work / to shield them well
Both with his body / and his Barony
Vocal his voice / Defense his vocation
Promoting the people / He praises them all
Obedient and able / this epic hero
Ragnvaldr reports / of his results
Constellation Captain / Leading the Corps
Black Raven Reapers / Spread his renown

Righteous and robust / a champion of respect
Though decisions divisive / e’re needed doing
Noble for newcomers / Chivalry never-ending
Exemplified excellence / Now and ever.
Make full mead cups / Praise the Mighty
Ulrich Ulfson / all the honor
Half-Dane done / with red belt duties
New the Knight / And now it begins.